HCM / Payroll Solution Design Architect in Cardiff

Civiteq is a specialist consultancy working at the intersection of technology, change and public services. We support organisations delivering complex digital transformation programmes, including major ERP implementations. We help them to design, deliver and embed change that genuinely works for people. We’re known for our collaborative culture, deep subject‑matter expertise and practical, people‑centred approach to delivery.

As an HCM / Payroll Solution Design Architect, you’d be the client-side design lead for HCM and Payroll, working closely with System Integrators and client teams to define, govern and assure end-to-end solution design within Oracle Cloud ERP programmes. You’d ensure the implemented solution:

• Meets agreed business, statutory and payroll requirements
• Aligns to Oracle Cloud best practice and design principles
• Is sustainable, scalable and supportable post go-live, avoiding unnecessary complexity

You’d bring deep expertise across Oracle HCM and Payroll, including:

• Providing subject matter expertise across modules such as Core HR, Payroll, Absence, Learn, Performance and OTL, including workforce structures, reporting and role‑based security
• Translating complex design considerations into clear, business-friendly solutions for stakeholders
• Interpreting business requirements and shaping them into system configurations, designs and functional specifications
• Leading or supporting solution design workshops aligned to best practice, statutory reporting requirements and organisational controls
• Partnering with technical teams, architects and functional consultants to deliver cohesive, scalable designs

HR/ Payroll Process Design

• Support the development and optimisation of HR/ Payroll operating models, including process ownership, controls structures, and service delivery models.
• Lead or contribute to end-to-end process design across core HR/ Payroll processes such as Hire to Retire.
• Ensure alignment between system capabilities and desired future-state processes.
• Validate that system design decisions strengthen internal controls and support audit compliance.
• Attend and support Design Authority forums providing advice, challenge and design assurance as required.

Stakeholder Management & Engagement

• Collaborate with HR/ Payroll leadership, operational stakeholders, and programme teams to ensure design decisions meet business needs.
• Provide clear, concise communication to non-technical stakeholders, ensuring they understand system impacts, benefits, and required decisions.
• Support change and adoption activities relating to system or process changes, working closely with Change Management teams.

Data, Controls & Reporting

• Contribute to the Data Migration, Integration and security strategies and planning.
• Support the definition of system-enabled controls and ensure these meet audit and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to the design and specification of reporting solutions, including statutory, management, and operational reporting using embedded analytics or external tools.

Wider programme support

• Work closely with Programme Management, functional, technical and SI teams.
• Provide solution architecture support into planning, risk and dependency management.

We are looking for someone with experience of the following:

• Proven experience as an HCM / Payroll Solution Design Architect or Functional PM on large-scale Oracle Cloud SaaS implementations, ideally within the public sector.
• Strong knowledge of Oracle Cloud HCM, ERP, Payroll, Procurement and EPM applications.
• Strong understanding of HR and Payroll business processes, particularly in a public sector context.
• Experience of security design aligned to local government standards.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to clearly articulate solutions to a range of stakeholders.
• Experience advising Design Authority and client teams, and confidently challenging System Integrator design.

You’ll be part of a collaborative, high-performing team where your work makes a real impact.

Day Rate: Up to £700 per day Outside IR35 (depending on experience). Contract Duration: Up to 6 months. Working pattern: Remote with some travel required to Cardiff.